Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming world premiere of The Upstairs Department by Chelsea Marcantel. Performances for the new play begin April 26 and a run is set through June 12.
Holly Twyford directs the cast which stars Annie Grove as Colleen, Joy Jones as Shiloh, and Zach Livingston as Luke. Understudies for the production include Anna Shafer, Anissa Parekh, and Taylor Witt.
The Upstairs Department follows a young man who wakes up following a serious illness with the power, or maybe just the belief, that he can communicate with the dead. With his unconvinced sister in tow, the two go to a spiritualist community to test his powers and begin a journey that explores family love, cynicism, and the unexplainable.
READ: Chelsea Marcantel's New Musicals Wins 2021 Richard Rodgers Award
“This is a play about transition and change, and the places we look for comfort when the world spins out of control," says Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner in a statement. "Her play takes all the divisiveness and tragedy of the last two years and with humor and incredible empathy she tells a remarkable and unexpected story that I believe will allow audiences to laugh, process, and heal together."
Also on the creative team are scenic designer Paige Hathaway, costume designer Ivania Stack, lighting designer Annie Wiegand, and sound designer Kenny Neal. Chelsea Pace is Signature’s resident intimacy consultant. Serving as production stage manager is Joey Blakely with Clancey Yovanovich and Allison Poms serving as assistant director and production assistant, respectively. Casting is by Kelly Crandall d’Amboise and Jorge Acevedo.
For tickets and more information, visit SigTheatre.org.
